Sexting And Teenagers: OMG, What R U Thinking?

Introduction

Sexting is the practice of sending or posting sexually suggestive text messages and images, (including nude or semi-nude photographs), via cellular telephone or over the Internet. Sexting has grown dramatically among young people across North America over the past few years. While sexting can and does occur between people of any age, there is real concern about teenagers who are engaging in this activity.

According to a 2008 study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 19% of teens between the ages of thirteen and nineteen have sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos of themselves. Of the 22% of teen girls that reported having done so, 11% of these girls were between the ages of thirteen and sixteen. When asked whether they had seen nude or semi-nude photos that were not intended to be shared with them, 25% of teen girls and 33% of teen boys answered this question affirmatively.